MLB Player News

Crawford went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI, a walk, and a stolen base in Wednesday's 5-2 win against Tampa Bay.

Crawford had an all-around showing Wednesday, reaching base three times and picking up his third stolen base of the season. The three steals are already more than he had all of last season. The 29-year-old extended his hitting streak to a season-best seven games. Since his return from the IL, he's started every game at the leadoff spot and is trending upward despite the .217/.315/.371 slash line.

Raleigh went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run and two walks in Wednesday's 5-2 win over Tampa Bay.

The Mariners had gone scoreless through five until Raleigh connected for the deciding hit of the game. His 14th homer of the season ties him for the MLB lead at the position, tied with Shea Langeliers and Adley Rutschman. Raleigh now has two home runs in his last three games after a stretch in which he hit only one over 29 games.

Santos (lat) is set to throw another live batting practice Friday in Seattle and could begin a rehab assignment shortly thereafter, MLB.com reports.

The right-hander put together a very encouraging live BP on Saturday in Miami before that day's game against the Marlins, using his sinker/slider combo with great effectiveness and impressive velocity against Ryan Bliss and Tyler Locklear in a 10-pitch session. If Santos encounters similar success Friday, it appears he'll be ticketed for what should be a fairly lengthy rehab assignment, given he's been sidelined since spring training.

Kirby (7-5) allowed one run on four hits while striking out seven over six innings to earn the win Wednesday over the Rays.

Kirby had his way with the Rays on Wednesday as he managed to get through six innings for his third win in his last five starts. Kirby has been on a tear, allowing two runs or less in six consecutive starts, posting a 1.70 ERA with three walks and 40 strikeouts in that span. He has the third best ERA in MLB since May and he'll look to keep it going in a tough matchup vs. the Orioles next week.

The Guardians recalled Noel from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday. He'll start at first base and bat sixth in the Guardians' series finale in Baltimore.

Noel will hit the big leagues for the first time. The 22-year-old slashed .295/.359/.578 with 18 home runs over 65 games with Columbus this season. Much of that production has come since the start of May, with Noel producing a .343/.404/.651 line with 14 home runs in 43 contests over that stretch. Noel has also struck out at just an 18.1-percent rate since May 1, which is a positive development for a player who has often struggled to make contact during his minor-league career. While he can handle first base and the corner outfield spots in a pinch, Noel's best shot at consistent playing time in Cleveland could come at designated hitter.

Thaiss will start at catcher and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

With top backstop Logan O'Hoppe getting a rare day off, Thaiss will start for just the fifth time in June. Thaiss' playing time will likely remain fairly limited throughout the season if O'Hoppe is able to stay healthy.

The Guardians optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday.

Rodriguez started just three of 10 games during his most recent stint in the big leagues. The 24-year-old will return to Columbus, where he will receive regular reps again.

Pillar will start in right field and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

Pillar had been a near-everyday player for the Angels for nearly five weeks, but he seems to have moved into a fourth-outfielder role. He'll be picking up just his second start since June 17, as he was excluded from the lineup in those other six contests. Jo Adell will hit the bench Wednesday to make room in the starting nine for Pillar.

Wilson (knee) was reinstated from Triple-A Las Vegas' 7-day injured list and went 2-for-3 with two walks and three runs while starting at shortstop in Tuesday's 11-0 win over Sacramento.

Wilson made his first appearance for Las Vegas since May 14 after a six-week absence due to knee tendinitis. Prior to rejoining Las Vegas, Wilson went 8-for-14 at the dish over five rehab games in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

Rafaela is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Rafaela has followed a hot stretch to begin June with a slump, having picked up only one hit over his previous five contests. With Rafaela on the bench Wednesday, Jarren Duran will patrol center field and David Hamilton will start at shortstop.